1 John 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us
As I reflect on times where I really feel His presence, there is a pattern that helps me to enter in to that tangible place with Jesus. When I spend time reflecting on how much He loves me. That He died just for me. He found me when I was lost and rescued me from shame, guilt, and condemnation. He delivered me from the sin that was holding me captive and healed my wounds. He has restored me, established me, and shown me my identity and purpose. This type of meditation brings me in awe of God. It brings me to repentance for things that I have come short in, and also a place of thanks giving. It brings me to a place where I can freely love on God because I know He loved me first, even before I felt worthy to be loved by Him. When you know this kind of love, there is nothing that can separate you from it. You begin to feel His goodness and be refreshed. It is in this place where the voice of the Lord is made clear. He will bring you to His word and it will come alive in your heart. You will understand His thoughts toward you and give you hope to apply them to your life. We are all designed by Him with a purpose. He wants to hear from us as much and even more than we want to hear from him. When we honor the relationship, it becomes more intimate. God will trust you with His secrets if you form an intimate relationship with Him. We all can hear from God, but are you listening? We all are loved by God, but are you loving Him back? Are you acknowledging His presence and thanking Him for His grace and mercy toward you? Are you repenting when you get it wrong? God wants to encounter you in a new way. Love on Him today with all of your heart, not just your lips. Believe He wants to commune with you. Wait in His presence and expect a life changing encounter!
Father, we thank you for your awesome love. We know that you are always with us, but want to feel your presence and encounter You in new ways. Forgive us for sometimes forgetting what you have already done in our lives. Make us more aware of your voice and learn to listen and obey Your instructions. Keep us in Your perfect will and draw closer to us as we draw closer to You. Let Your love be evident in everything that we do so that others may be also drawn closer to Your love. We love You and grow in great expectation of the new thing that You are doing in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!